By: Abdoulie John
The Gambian government has disclosed an estimated annual budget of $2.5 million for the newly established Special Prosecutor’s Office, as it moves to implement the recommendations of the Truth, Reconciliation and Reparations Commission (TRRC) and deliver justice for victims of past human rights abuses.
Attorney General and Minister of Justice Dawda Jallow made the revelation on Wednesday during a press briefing at the Sir Dawda Kairaba Jawara International Conference Center in Bijilo. The announcement came after the government formally introduced British barrister Mr. Martin Hackett as the country’s first Special Prosecutor.
Mr. Hackett, appointed for an initial four-year term, will lead investigations and prosecutions related to serious violations documented by the TRRC, including murder, torture, enforced disappearances, and sexual and gender-based crimes committed during former President Yahya Jammeh’s 22-year rule from 1994 to 2017.
Jallow explained that the $2.5 million budget figure was developed jointly with ECOWAS and represents the government’s commitment to funding the office’s operations. He noted that while development partners have been informed of the funding challenges, the government has already committed some resources. The United Nations Development Program (UNDP) is expected to support the construction of a dedicated office for the Special Prosecutor.
For the time being, Mr. Hackett and his team will be temporarily housed within the Ministry of Justice in Banjul as recruitment of additional staff, including a deputy special prosecutor, gets underway.
The Minister stressed that, in line with the Special Prosecutor’s Office Act, the office must operate independently and prepare its own budget. He highlighted the urgent need to build local forensic capacity, pointing out that The Gambia has long relied on shipping forensic and clinical samples to laboratories abroad. With numerous exhumations expected in the coming months, developing domestic forensic expertise is now a priority.
Jallow told journalists that he had recently met with all ambassadors accredited to The Gambia to brief them on the fundraising process and remains in close contact with international partners.
The establishment of the Special Prosecutor’s Office marks the first phase of a broader Special Accountability Mechanism. Domestic prosecutions will initially be handled by the Special Criminal Division of the High Court, while more complex international cases are expected to be referred to the planned Special Tribunal for The Gambia, to be established in partnership with ECOWAS.
Observers see the budget disclosure and the appointment of an experienced international prosecutor as signs of renewed momentum in The Gambia’s long-delayed transitional justice process. However, sustained funding and technical support from the international community will be critical for success.
At the end of the process, Jallow expressed confidence that The Gambia will emerge stronger, with a justice system better equipped to address past atrocities and uphold the rule of law.
The TRRC’s 2021 report provided a comprehensive historical record of violations. With Mr. Hackett now in place and funding outlined, many Gambians hope the country is finally transitioning from documentation to tangible accountability.
